Friday, October 28, 2011

When someone told me my personal fashion was "steampunk" six months ago, and I have to admit it was the first time I'd heard the term.

An insult, I know, for those heavily interested in the steampunk genre, but since the remark I've been researching various forms of the steampunk design movement from special exhibits at Maker Faires to DIY Victorian weaponry and gadgets on YouTube.

In a twist regarding the local steampunk movement, artist Rob Joki is adapting his yearly production of the Rocky Horror Picture Show at Youngstown's Rust Belt Theater Company to have more of a steampunk visual influence.

So thanks to Rob and The Rust Belt Theater Company, Steampunk meets Rocky Horror in Youngstown.

Reprinted at "The Boiler Room News", but originally written for the Vindicator (in a really well written and explanatory article), Joki's costumes are hand-made and use recycled and repurposed materials.

Along with the Zombie Prom at the Calvin Center, this version of Rocky Horror should keep you in the Mahoning Commons this weekend. (link to both events)

So in looking at the various aspects of steampunk fine and performing arts, is steampunk the ideal or ultimate design in the aesthetic of rust belt chic?

Here is a video of the craftsmanship and installation behind these soaring stainless steel beauties now installed in our central square:

Here are some other amazing photos by another super-talented Tony Nicholas, hands-down one of the best photographers in the Midwest.

All of the weld points are now entirely smoothed out, as the photo just above and below were before the final installation. (as indicated by all the green remaining on the leaves, instead of the shades of reds and yellows)

Kudos to Tony Armeni for a great effort on this particular rack, and more to come.

And thanks to all who made this possible, from the larger funders to the discothequers at the Rack and Roll bike party in 2010.

Here's some more of that sweet, sweet, local monome from The Realtime Digimob of Youngstown city, like granddaddy used to play it: